Redwood City Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Redwood City

Renting a car in Redwood City offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surrounding attractions at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, making it ideal for families and those who appreciate outdoor and cultural experiences. You can visit key attractions such as Filoli, a historic building perfect for cultural experiences, and The Foundry, a stadium that caters to sports enthusiasts, both located within Redwood City.

Additionally, a rental car allows you to venture to nearby destinations like San Carlos, just 3 km away, where you can explore the Hiller Aviation Museum and enjoy Miramar Beach. Woodside, also in close proximity, features attractions like California's Great America and the Computer History Museum. Furthermore, Redwood Shores, located nearby, provides access to San Francisco Bay and more scenic spots. Having a rental car ensures you can fully experience the diverse offerings of the area without the constraints of public transportation.

Most popular car rentals in Redwood City

• Midsize SUV: Accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases, making it an ideal option for families, couples, or small groups. This car type offers ample space and comfort for longer trips, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views around Redwood City while ensuring everyone and their luggage travel comfortably.
• Compact: Accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 medium suitcases, making it a versatile choice for solo travellers, couples, or families. The compact size makes it easier to navigate through city streets and find parking, all while providing the flexibility you need for your adventures in and around Redwood City.
• Standard SUV: Accommodates 5 travellers with up to 2 medium suitcases, making it suitable for couples, families, or groups. This option provides a balance of space and manoeuvrability, perfect for exploring the varied landscapes near Redwood City while ensuring that your travel experience remains comfortable and convenient.

Top rated car suppliers in Redwood City

• Hertz: With a rental location in Redwood City, Hertz is a popular choice among travellers seeking flexibility during their trip. Known for their reliable service, Hertz offers a variety of vehicles, with the Midsize SUV and Compact being the most booked options. This makes it easy for you to navigate through the stunning landscapes and attractions in the area at your own pace.
• Enterprise: Another top option in Redwood City, Enterprise boasts a rental location that provides outstanding convenience for visitors. Their fleet features popular choices like the Standard SUV and Compact, catering to those who need a versatile vehicle for exploring local sights. With a focus on customer satisfaction, Enterprise ensures a pleasant rental experience during your stay.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental also maintains a location in Redwood City, offering an excellent selection of vehicles tailored to budget-conscious travellers. The Economy and Midsize cars are among the most booked options, making it easy for you to manage your luggage and enjoy the freedom to explore. Thrifty is well-regarded for its value, ensuring you get a great deal while discovering the beauty of the region.

Where to stay around Redwood City

• Palo Alto: Located 9 km from Redwood City, Palo Alto is ideal for those seeking a culture-themed, family, or business experience. The city features attractions such as the Palo Alto Art Center and Stanford Memorial Church for cultural exploration. For outdoor activities, Baylands Nature Preserve is a must-visit. Visitors can enjoy various dining options, including restaurants and wineries, making it a well-rounded destination.
• San Carlos: Situated 3 km away from Redwood City, San Carlos offers a delightful mix of outdoor, family, and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the Hiller Aviation Museum and take in the scenic views at San Francisco Bay. Miramar Beach provides a lovely spot for relaxation. The city boasts numerous restaurants and wineries, perfect for sampling local cuisine and beverages.
• Menlo Park: Just 6 km from Redwood City, Menlo Park is another excellent option for culture, family, and business travellers. Key highlights include the urban oasis of Bedwell Bayfront Park, where families can enjoy outdoor activities. For a cultural touch, the United States Geological Survey library offers enriching experiences. Restaurants and wineries in the area provide a variety of dining choices for visitors.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Redwood City

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to lock in lower rates and benefit from better availability, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come at a lower rental price and are more convenient to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. Renters over the age of 70 may also face similar restrictions. Always verify age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This option is typically the most cost-effective. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are also acceptable. Just ensure that the car is returned empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: A surcharge is often applied for picking up your rental car at airport locations, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance when you book through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Redwood City

The best time to rent a car in and around Redwood City is September, when prices are generally at their lowest and demand is high. Following closely, April tends to offer slightly lower prices with average demand, making it another good option. June through August see higher prices and increased demand, particularly in June, which is typically the most expensive month. Meanwhile, October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	51.6°F (10.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
February	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
March	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
April	55.4°F (13.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
May	57.9°F (14.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	62.4°F (16.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	64.4°F (18.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
August	65.3°F (18.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Slightly Low
September	65.5°F (18.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Slightly Low
October	62.4°F (16.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
December	51.6°F (10.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average